South Dakota Move-In Checklist
Moving into a new apartment in South Dakota? South Dakota's deadline for returning a deposit is set by S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24. The photos you take today are what protects your money then.
Return deadline: In South Dakota, the deadline under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24 starts from a later event, such as your demand or the landlord getting your new address, so no date can be given from a move-out date alone.
Already moved in and need to move out? See the South Dakota move-out checklist →
Before you unpack anything
- Take photos of EVERY room — walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures
- Open every cabinet and closet, photograph inside
- Test every faucet, light switch, outlet, and door lock
- Check for existing damage — cracks, stains, holes, mold
- Record a video walkthrough with narration and the date visible on screen
- Note the condition of carpet, paint, appliances, countertops, and windows
This is the most important step. Once your furniture is in the room, the opportunity to document what was there when you arrived is gone.
What your landlord can't charge you for later
- Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint
- Carpet worn from normal foot traffic
- Paint fading after 2+ years
- Appliances that break from normal use
- Pre-existing damage that you documented at move-in
These protections apply in South Dakota under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24. If your landlord tries to charge you for any of these, your move-in photos are your first line of defense.
What your landlord CAN charge you for
- Holes in walls beyond small nail holes
- Stains or burns on carpet
- Broken fixtures from misuse
- Pet damage
- Unreturned keys
Be honest with yourself. If you broke it, it's yours. The goal isn't to escape responsibility — it's to make sure you don't pay for things that were already broken when you arrived.
Store your evidence somewhere safe
- NOT just your phone — phones break, get lost, and photos get deleted
- Cloud storage with timestamps (Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox all work)
- Email the photos to yourself on move-in day — that creates a timestamped record
- Keep everything until at least one year after you move out
Use our free move-in/move-out inspection form to document room-by-room condition. Your strongest defense if a landlord charges you for pre-existing damage.
Free Inspection FormSouth Dakota deposit rules you need to know
- In South Dakota, the deadline under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24 starts from a later event, such as your demand or the landlord getting your new address, so no date can be given from a move-out date alone.
- Violations of deposit law can be filed in small claims court without an attorney
Check your full rights under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24
Check My South Dakota Deposit RightsFrequently Asked Questions
How many photos should I take when moving into a South Dakota apartment?
As many as possible — 50 to 100 is not too many. Photograph every wall, floor, fixture, appliance, and inside every cabinet. Timestamped photos stored in cloud backup are your strongest defense if your landlord tries to charge you for pre-existing damage at move-out.
What if my landlord doesn't do a move-in inspection in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not require a formal move-in inspection, so do your own. Photograph everything, then email the photos to your landlord with the date. A landlord who ignores your email still can't claim the damage didn't exist at move-in if the timestamp proves otherwise.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit after I move out of a South Dakota apartment?
In South Dakota, the deadline under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24 starts from a later event, such as your demand or the landlord getting your new address, so no date can be given from a move-out date alone.
When should I do the move-in checklist?
Before you unpack a single box. Once furniture is against walls and rugs cover floors, you've lost the chance to document what's underneath. The window is narrow — do it the moment you get the keys.
More South Dakota Guides
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DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. This information is based on S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24 as of 2026. Laws change. Verify current statutes at South Dakota's legislature website.